The reason the 100th Running and the 100 year anniversary of the Indianapolis 500 are on two separate dates is because of World War I and World War II. Owing to the war, a lack of drivers and mechanics, as well as the need to conserve resources and fuel for the war effort, the 500 was not run in 1917, 1918, 1942, 1943, 1944, or 1945.
Those missing six years meant that we celebrated the 100 years of the first race in 2011, and we're celebrating the 100th running — the more important date, I think — this year.
But, if the Indianapolis Motor Speedway wants to capitalize on another century mark, they should mark the 100th Consecutive in 30 years, in 2046.
Those missing six years meant that we celebrated the 100 years of the first race in 2011, and we're celebrating the 100th running — the more important date, I think — this year.
But, if the Indianapolis Motor Speedway wants to capitalize on another century mark, they should mark the 100th Consecutive in 30 years, in 2046.